Andrea Bocelli Stuns Guests at Royal Wedding with Two Beautiful Performances During Ceremony
Could the royal wedding of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank have been any more breathtaking? On Oct. 12, the long-standing couple repeated their matrimonial vows in a stunning ceremony witnessed around the world.
The highly anticipated nuptials took place in St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. Just a few months prior, in May, Prince Harry married actress Meghan Markle in this very same venue.
Eugenie was quite the captivating princess bride as she arrived with her father, Prince Andrew. Her sister, Princess Beatrice, served as her maid of honor.
But viewers and attendees alike seemed to find one element of the ceremony especially moving. It was arguably right up there with 5-year-old Prince George serving as a page boy, and 3-year-old Princess Charlotte serving as a bridesmaid.
Sixty-year-old Italian opera singer Andrea Bocelli enthralled everyone with his stunning rendition of “Panis Angelicus.” According to Express U.K., this piece represents the first section of the sacred hymn “Sacris solemniis,” which was penned by Saint Thomas Aquinas.
Conducted by Carlo Bernini, @AndreaBocelli and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra perform. #RoyalWedding pic.twitter.com/r3hv5dswNM
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) October 12, 2018
Express U.K. noted that Bocelli’s soaring four-minute rendition was quickly posted online by the official account of The Royal Family. Within moments, social media adoration began pouring in.
The public post was accompanied by the trending hashtag #RoyalWedding. The remaining caption read, “Conducted by Carlo Bernini, @AndreaBocelli and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra perform.”
But Bocelli also sang a second piece that prompted tears and goosebumps throughout the chapel. Judging from the enthusiastic Twitter response, viewers around the world were weeping in awe as well.
Andrea Bocelli performs at the service#RoyalWedding pic.twitter.com/MwsdZBTqZJ
— Elliot Wagland (@elliotwagland) October 12, 2018
The celebrated tenor sang the timeless “Ave Maria” for the 850 guests in attendance. Twitter user Sally Davis enthused, “Andrea Bocelli was sensational. What a beautiful wedding. I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did.”
According to Andrea Bocelli’s official website, the renowned opera singer has sold more than 90 million records to date. His sweeping career has also included 15 solo studio albums.
But Bocelli had to overcome his share of hardship before achieving such status. He was born with poor eyesight in 1958.
As a child, Bocelli was eventually diagnosed with congenital glaucoma. And at the young age of 12, he lost his eyesight permanently.
But that marvelous voice remained. And over the years, it only grew in power.
Bocelli now stands as the first solo opera singer to earn a YouTube Gold Play Button. He accumulates millions of views globally, and some have called his voice the most exquisite in the world.
Bocelli’s musical offerings hearkened back to the affecting melodies that played as Prince Harry wed Meghan Markle. According to the BBC, that royal couple also personally selected an array of meaningful tunes, ranging from traditional hymns to gospel.
Ben E. King’s soul classic “Stand By Me” was presented in uplifting fashion by The Kingdom Choir. Cellist and BBC Young Musician 2016 Sheku Kanneh-Mason performed three gorgeous classical pieces — including, once again, “Ave Maria.”
In the case of both royal weddings, the chosen music reflected the unique personalities of the couples themselves. But more importantly, it hailed and commemorated the common theme of devoted, lifetime love.
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